Bedside Cot Crib
Bedside cot cribs allow you to co-sleep safely with your baby without the risk of overheating or suffocation. It is designed to be attached to the side of your bed, they're beneficial for mothers of c-sections who find getting out of bed a challenge.
MFM home tester Emily found this bedside crib simple to put together and loved the mesh window to let air circulate and give babies a better view. It can be folded flat and put into bags for travel.
Safety
A bedside crib is a unique crib that connects seamlessly to the parents' bed to provide a comfortable method for parents to care for their baby at night. The crib lets parents easily reach their infant so that they can soothe or feed them without leaving the bed. This is particularly beneficial for mothers who be suffering from sleep deprivation in the first few months. It also assists in encouraging a healthy growth of the baby by providing a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
A quality bedside cot crib will have a sturdy connection and anti-slip design for the mattress's foot which reduces the chance of accidents which could result in harm to your baby. They also meet safety standards, such as BS EN 1130:2019, which will ensure that your child is secure and safe when they're asleep. Make sure the mattress in your crib is firm and not squishy. Also, check for any holes or gaps that could increase your child's danger of suffocation.
Also, you should avoid using pillows, duvets, or baby bumpers in your baby's crib unless they are designed specifically for use with a cot or crib, as they can pose a serious hazard and may not meet safety standards. It is also important to ensure that any toy your baby utilizes in the crib are securely attached and does not extend too far.
Ask other parents for advice when you're not sure about certain pieces of equipment. Also, look for products that are new and have met current safety standards rather than ones that were passed down or used. If you're planning to purchase a crib that is used, be sure to make sure you check it for damages and ensure that all parts are there before you buy it.
Another alternative is to buy the bassinet, which is similar to a cot, but typically fixes to your bed and does not have legs. These are perfect for newborns, and are great when you are recovering from a c-section. They keep your baby close to you at all times.
Size
Sweet2Sleep's crib for bed allows you to keep your baby close by throughout the night. Perfect for feeding your baby at night or heartfelt cuddles, as well as comfort checks while you are cosy in your own bed, this crib is loaded with features to help you bond and soothe your baby. It is easy to raise or lower the side rail of the crib with just one hand, to help soothe and comfort your child, or to monitor your child's sleep. It comes with soft rocking functions and an incline function to aid in relieving symptoms like indigestion and stomach pain.
It comes with a huge storage space underneath the crib, which is perfect for nappies or blankets. It's also designed to be used with divan beds (check the specs because some might require straps that are longer) and you don't need to worry about your bed frame. One of our mum testers, Gulhan Arapoglu, said it's a good size and sturdy and easy to move around from room to room. She also noted that it's a little heavier than other cribs for beds however this is because of the additional features like the rocking mode and reflux incline.
One of the most important things to look for in a crib is a firm mattress. Soft mattresses can increase the risk of SIDS, which is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A mattress that is firm will be better for your baby's wellbeing, as it is more comfortable and helps to promote healthy spinal development.
You can buy an individual crib mattress however we suggest buying a high-end model to ensure that your child has the best sleep possible. Make sure the mattress is in compliance with British safety standards and that it's a suitable size for your baby.
If you're considering purchasing a bedside cot crib, it's worth doing some research to make sure you're getting the best deal. Making use of Black Friday sales is a excellent method to save on these practical cribs. Remember that you should always purchase cribs directly from the manufacturer to ensure that they are secure and meet the safety standards.
Style
A bedside crib is an attached bassinet to your bed. These cribs are great for keeping your baby close so that you can reach them easily during evening feedings and help them back to sleep during nap time. They're also a blessing for mums recovering from c-section births, who may find it difficult to get out of bed to take care of their child in the middle of the night.
There's a variety of styles you can pick from, but some characteristics you should be looking for are:
How easy is it to keep clean? Can it be cleaned by hand or is an easy-to-clean mattress cover essential? What size is the bed and can you lower or raise it to accommodate? What's the weight and is it easy to move around your home, especially when you intend to use it in more than one room at the same time?
Jasmine who was a mom tester, loved that the crib rotates. This made it easier for her to reach into and out of it to take her baby. She also admired the size of the crib and said it's not as big as a standard crib, but is bigger than standard Moses baskets and is comfortable for babies. It's also easy to build and can be folded flat, making it easy to move. It was a bit heavy for some mums who were carrying it around, which could be an issue for those with mobility problems.
Another alternative to consider is the Maxi-Cosi Lora, which won Gold at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the Best Cot Crib, Moses Basket category. The crib differs from other cribs in that it does not include a drop-down panel however it does have an adjustable side you can lower to allow you to reach your baby. It's not as compact as other cribs once dismantled, however it's still mobile and comes with a travel bag.
Some cribs can be transformed into a cot or toddler using an expansion kit. cot bedside is useful for families who want to extend their baby's sleep space beyond the infant stage. However, it's not always necessary.
Budget
The best cribs for beds will sit right by your bed, so that you can watch your baby and attend to night feeds and nappy changes without needing to get out of bed. They'll usually have sides that fold or zip down easily, so you can reach over in the dark to scoop them up, and they should also be breathable for your comfort. Most will come with beds, which are ideal since you don't want it to be too hard or clumpy.
You must also consider how easy it is to assemble - some are much simpler than others, with the more complex models costing more. Finally, consider whether the crib is designed to fit your own bed or not. Some cribs may only work with a specific kind of divan base, which can be an issue if you have a bed that is more unique.
The Next2me Magic crib that is popular with parents who own a divan, is a great option for those who already own one. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the category of the Best Cot or Crib, or Moses Basket. It's well-constructed with high-quality mesh sides to let you see the baby's face. Our mum testers have given it a thumbs up. It also has a convenient storage shelf to store nappies and blankets and is surprisingly light at 10kg.
Another option is the SnuzPod4, which comes in a range of colours and our moms have been extremely pleased with it too. The SnuzPod4 is a slim and sleek design that provides plenty of space for babies to sleep comfortably. Our mums are also awed by features like incline options which aid in reducing reflux, as well as a relaxing, rocking mechanism.
Both cribs can be purchased at PS99 or under, making them more affordable than a Moses Basket if you're trying to save money on the initial cost. You should always remember to follow safe sleep guidance however, and ensure whether the crib you purchase is in compliance with the Lullaby Trust code for safety.